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Skin concerns are common, whether caused by sun exposure, aging, or natural changes in the body. Two conditions people often confuse are age spots (also called sun spots, liver spots, or dark spots) and skin tags. While they may appear similar, the cause, treatment, and outcome differ.

Modern aesthetic treatments, including Laser Spot Removal, make it possible to safely reduce unwanted pigmentation and achieve healthy skin with improved skin texture and more even skin tone. But when the concern is a raised growth such as a skin tag, removal methods are different.

This guide explains the difference between the two conditions and highlights how laser treatment works for pigmentation compared to skin tag removal.

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots are flat areas of unwanted pigment that develop on the skin’s surface due to sun damage or unprotected sun exposure over the years. They commonly appear as:

• Brown spots or patches on the face, hands, or chest
• Pigmented lesions that vary in size and shape
• Areas of uneven skin tone

The main cause is excess melanin production, which increases with repeated exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. While harmless, they can be mistaken for skin cancer, so evaluation by a professional is recommended.

What Are Skin Tags?

Unlike age spots, skin tags are soft, raised growths of tissue that extend from the skin’s surface. They are not caused by sun exposure or melanin production but instead by friction where skin folds rub together.

Skin tags are:

• Usually painless and benign
• Found around the neck, armpits, or eyelids
• Cosmetic concerns rather than medical issues

Because they are different in structure from brown spots, treatments like laser therapy or light treatments are not effective. Instead, minor removal techniques performed in-office are used.

How Laser Spot Removal Works

Laser spot removal is an advanced aesthetic procedure that uses targeted laser energy or intense pulsed light (IPL) to break down unwanted pigmentation at the treatment site. The laser treatment penetrates the treated area, fragmenting the pigment while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

Benefits of Laser Spot Removal

• Reduction of brown spots, sun spots, and pigmented lesions
• Improved skin texture and skin tone
• Stimulation of collagen production for smoother skin
• Minimal downtime and a comfortable healing process
• Safe for different skin types when performed by trained professionals

What to Expect During Treatment

• The provider cleanses the treatment area and may apply a topical numbing cream for comfort.
• Controlled laser energy or light is directed at the treated site.
• Patients may notice immediate improvement, with continued improvement as the skin continues its cellular turnover over the following several weeks.
• Redness or swelling at the treated area is normal and typically resolves quickly.

Most patients require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, depending on the depth of pigment and the size of the treatment area.

Skin Tag Removal Methods

Skin tags require a different approach. Since they are not pigment-related, laser spot removal will not work. Instead, removal methods include:

• Cryotherapy – freezing off the tag
• Excision – cutting the tag at the base
• Electrocautery – burning the tissue to remove it

These procedures are well tolerated and carry minimal risk, with little to no downtime. Unlike laser-based spot removal, the focus here is on removing a physical growth rather than correcting unwanted pigment.

Healing Process and Aftercare

Both procedures require some aftercare for best outcomes:

• Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent additional sun damage.
• Protect the treated site by avoiding tanning beds.
• Follow the provider’s instructions for cleansing and moisturizing the treatment area.
• Expect final results to appear within weeks, with continued improvement as the skin continues to heal.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for laser spot removal include:

• Patients with sun spots, brown spots, or pigmented lesions
• Those experiencing uneven skin tone or skin concerns from sun damage
• People seeking an effective treatment with less downtime than procedures like chemical peels

For skin tag removal, most patients qualify since the procedure is simple, well tolerated, and safe.

Final Thoughts

While both laser spot removal and skin tag removal improve appearance, they address completely different concerns. Spot removal treatments target unwanted pigment such as sun spots or liver spots, while skin tag removal eliminates benign tissue growths.

With the right treatment plan, patients can enjoy smoother skin texture, a more even skin tone, and long-lasting improvements.

For professional care and safe aesthetic solutions, schedule a consultation with Eyre Esthetics to explore the right option for your skin concerns.

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